LTL vs FTL shipping for my freight?
Cost and timing comparison for West Virginia shipments from Gateway Logistics.
You have freight to ship from West Virginia but you're not sure if you need less-than-truckload or full truckload service. The shipment size falls somewhere in the middle and you want to pick the option that saves money without causing delays.
The decision comes down to space and speed. FTL means you rent the entire truck, even if your freight only fills part of it. LTL means you share truck space with other shippers and only pay for what you use. Your freight gets loaded with others making similar routes through West Virginia.
FTL costs more upfront but moves faster since the truck goes directly to your destination. LTL costs less per pound but takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other shipments. FTL makes sense when your shipment fills 75% or more of a trailer, weighs over 15,000 pounds, or when delivery speed matters more than cost.
Calculate the cost per pound for both options, not just the total price. Call Gateway Logistics with your shipment details including weight, dimensions, pickup location in West Virginia, and delivery timeline. They can run both FTL and LTL quotes so you can compare actual numbers instead of guessing.
You'll know exactly what your freight will cost and when it will arrive. No surprises on the bill and no wondering if you picked the wrong shipping method for your West Virginia business.
Other things people in West Virginia ask
why are freight costs so high
Freight rates swing with fuel, driver shortages, and seasonal demand. A freight broker tracks these patterns daily and can lock in better rates through carrier relationships. They also spot when you're getting overcharged.
partial load freight shipping LTL
LTL shipping lets you pay only for the space you use. Your freight gets consolidated with other partial loads. Expect 2-5 days longer transit time than full truckload. Package your freight on pallets for easier handling.
LTL shipping vs waiting for full truckload
LTL makes sense when you need frequent smaller shipments or can't wait to accumulate a full load. If your customers need steady deliveries and you can't afford to hold inventory, ship LTL. If you can batch shipments and time isn't critical, waiting for a full truckload usually costs less per pound.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in West Virginia and the area around it.